Sky Sports has signed an exclusive four-year deal with the NBA, which will see them broadcast more than 170 live games during the new season.

The deal will see Sky also air a 'record number' of live weekend prime time matches, at 8:30pm UK time.

Sky picked up the rights after BT Sport walked away from renewal talks during the summer.

Also included in the deal are online highlights, news, statistics and other digital content, with live games and highlights from the 2019 Women's NBA season starting in May.

LeBron James has joined the LA Lakers (Image: X02835)

"We are thrilled to be partnering with Sky Sports in the UK and Ireland," said NBA EMEA vice president, Global Media Distribution, Elsa Memmi.

"With a record number of weekend primetime games, a season-long schedule of live games and programming, and extensive highlights available online and on mobile, Sky Sports will be the true home of the NBA for fans."

Sky Sports & NBA

170+ live games

42 live weekend prime time games

NBA London Game 2019

NBA Playoffs & Finals

Christmas Day Games

NBA All-Star 2019

NBA Action highlights show

Live WNBA games

Barry Francis, Sky Sports Managing Director, declared: "This is great news for our customers and for NBA fans in the UK and Ireland.

"We're partnering with a really exciting sport that has a fascinating history and an even more compelling future.

"With some of the biggest stars in world sport we know the NBA will bring drama and entertainment to our customers week after week, available across our many different platforms."

Steph Curry's Warriors will once more be the team to beat (Image: Getty Images North America)

The new season begins on Wednesday morning with a double header, tipping off at 1am with the Boston Celtics hosting Philadelphia 76ers, before Oklahoma City Thunder travel to Golden State Warriors.

The Warriors, led by Steph Curry and Kevin Durant, are the pre-season favourites to add a fourth title in five years.

But they are expected to be challenged by the Houston Rockets, who nearly beat them in last season's Western Conference finals.